Bosporus Strait Asia Side, Turkey
At 5:30 PM on April 7, 2012 we left Istanbul and started our trip into the Black Sea via the Bosporus Strait. This was our 5th time we sailed the Bosporus, but this was the first time we were able to view the Asian side in the daylight. Although not as populated as the European side there were a few interesting sites along the 1 hour journey through the strait. Of particular note where the Kuleli Military School, built in 1845, the Anatolian Fortress, built between 1393 and 1394 and the Yoros Castle, a Byzantine Castle built in the 13th Century. (Note: If you want to see the European side of...
Read MoreIstanbul, Turkey
On April 5, 2012 we started to enter the Bosporus, at 10:30 AM, from the Sea of Marmara and had our first glimpse of Istanbul. The weather was hazy and over cast but the shoreline soon became visible and the views of The Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia & Topkapi Palace were magnificent. We sailed past them on our way to a three day stay. Our first afternoon we went to the New District in Istanbul, which lies above the port. To get there we took a tram called “Tünel” to the top and the main pedestrian street call Istiklal Street. We proceeded to Taksim Square at the end of the...
Read MoreSirince, Turkey
Today we ventured to Sirince Village, a synthesis of Greek & Turkish culture in the hills above Kusadasi where we docked. Once there we explored the town, had some fresh Pomegranate juice. later we went to have some coffee at a restaurant and have the grounds left in the cup read by a local fortune teller. After coffee we went to a local home for lunch. Sirince Village Going to Sirince Streets of Sirince Village Streets of Sirince Village Streets of Sirince Village In Sirince Village Restaurant in Sirince Village Coffee Sirince home Inside Sirince...
Read MoreBodrum, Turkey
Docking in Bodrum is on the opposite side of the harbor from the town. To get to town we took a water shuttle into the marina. Once in town we explored Saint Peter’s Castle which was a tribute to the Knights of Saint John. The castle housed the Museum of Underwater Archaeology which exhibited many relics from sunken Egyptian barges. After leaving the castle we walked to the ruins of the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus ( One of the seven wonders of the ancient world). We then returned back to the marina area before retuning to the ship. As we left the harbor we saw the ancient Roman theater...
Read MoreKusadasi, Turkey
After docking in Kusadasi we traveled to three accent towns Priene, Miletus and Didyma. Priene included the ruins of the town, a 5,000 seat theater and the Temple of Athena. In Miletus there were ruins of theater with a fortress built on top, thermal baths and stadium. The temple of Apollo is the feature site in Didyma. Priene Kusadasi Walkway to Priene Priene Town Hall Priene Theater (5000 seats) Priene Theater Priene Athena Temple Priene Athena Temple Miletus Theater & Fortress Miletus Theater & Fortress Miletus Theater & Fortress Miletus Didyma Temple of...
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When we retired and moved to Florida from Bellport,Long Island, NY, we began to cruise more and for longer periods of time. Our travels have taken us up the Amazon, around South America and the Antarctic, North Africa, the Mediterranean and Black Seas. We hope you enjoy some of our images and that they can help in planning your own dreams.